‘Game of Thrones’: How the Dagger Littlefinger Gave Bran Could Come Into Play

As Season 7 of Game of Thrones pushes forward, we are getting more and more callbacks to the first season of the show. A lot of these references can easily slip under the radar so you probably missed them. But there was one in “The Spoils of War” that was hard to overlook.

At the end of the episode, Littlefinger hands Bran Stark the catpaw dagger — the specific weapon that an assassin tried to kill Bran with in “The Night Lands,” before being fought off by Catelyn Stark and Bran’s direwolf. So why did Littlefinger want him to have it and more importantly, how will it come back into play?

Here are seven theories on how the familiar weapon can become important in the future.

1. It could be physical evidence of the Lannisters’ murder plot

Bran and Littlefinger on Game of Thrones| HBO

By now, the Starks are well aware that the Lannisters are their enemies. But they still don’t know how far their betrayal goes. They also have a hard time proving it to others. But this dagger from Bran’s assassination attempt could help blow their betrayal wide open.

It’s unclear who exactly owns the dagger. We just know it was in the assassin’s possession when he came into Bran’s room — while he was unconscious — to kill him. The attempt was stopped by Catelyn and Bran’s direwolf. After the attack, she tried to find the origins of the dagger to find out who was behind the murder plot. Littlefinger told her it was his, but he lost it in a bet to Tyrion Lannister.

Catelyn is no longer around, but Bran and Littlefinger are and since they have the dagger, this could convince the individuals still loyal to the Lannisters to turn to the other side.

2. It could lead to a Joffrey flashback

Joffrey on Game of Thrones| HBO

Game of Thrones has gone through many hated villains, but Joffrey Baratheon was one of the first. We haven’t seen him since his demise, but he might come back through one of Bran’s visions. This is because, in the books, Tyrion believes it was Joffrey who got the dagger from his father’s weapons to give to the assassin to kill Bran.

Perhaps the show will stick with this story, and Bran will have a flashback to Joffrey taking the dagger.

3. Arya could end up using it to kill Cersei

Bran and Arya Stark on Game of Thrones| HBO

Interestingly enough, the show been making parallels to the very beginning of the show this season. That all started with Cersei and Jamie Lannister making their first move against the Starks and pushing Bran off the side of a tower after he catches them in the act.

Bran just gave Arya Stark the dagger they intended to finish him off with, and she still has Cersei on her list. It’s possible that Arya will use it to kill Cersei, making things come full circle.

4. It could be used to take down the Night King

The Night King on Game of Thrones| HBO

Valyrian steel isn’t just good for killing humans. It’s also known for killing White Walkers. The rest of the Starks aren’t as privy to what’s coming from the North like Jon is, but they will have to be.

It’s possible that Arya will end up taking down some White Walkers in the future, and this important weapon could end up taking down the Night King.

5. It could be used against Littlefinger

Littlefinger on Game of Thrones| HBO

Speaking of full circle, we can’t forget about Littlefinger. He has been in the background throughout the whole show. He’s the one who once owned the dagger, has put people (like Sansa) in harm’s way, and could be brought to justice very soon.

He’s not on Arya’s list but once she finds out more about him, he could be. Wouldn’t it be sweet if his death was done with his own Valyrian steel dagger?

6. It could help reveal Jon Snow’s true parents

Jon Snow | HBO

The character who knows nothing still doesn’t know his parents are Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. Many fans are wondering how he will find out — and it’s possible it will be with the dagger.

Dave Gonzales wrote on Thrillist that the last of the Valyrian steel was turned into weapons and are now kept in different houses. This dagger could be a Targaryen heirloom. But how would anyone know that?

Gonzales notes a very similar weapon is pictured in a book that Samwell is flipping through in “Dragonstone.” Maybe he will save the day again by researching the dagger, finding out where it came from, and possibly stumbling on some evidence of Jon’s family.

7. A powerful former owner may come to light

Varys on Game of Thrones| HBO

Many fans think the person who previously owned the dagger will be revealed.

Leah Thomas wrote for Bustle that Aegon, the first king of Westeros could be the first owner. She also notes the man who later became the Night King could be a possible previous owner as well.